Panthers vs. Lightning Free Pick October 6, 2017

The over is 12-4 in the last 16 meetings at Amalie Arena, and I think we’ll see another high-scoring affair here in the season opener for both teams.

The Tampa Bay Lightning averaged 2.80 goals per game last season, despite the fact that Steven Stamkos played just 17 games (nine goals, 11 assists) because of a knee injury. The captain is reportedly ready for the upcoming season, and odds are he’ll get on the score-sheet right away in the season opener. Andrei Vasilevskiy opens the season as a No. 1 goalie for the first time, he posted a mediocre 2.61 GAA in 50 games last season which is also very close to his career GAA.

The Florida Panthers averaged just 2.50 goals per game last season and five of their top eight scorers are gone. That might be a good thing though as first-year coach Bob Boughner get to implement some fresh ideas with younger and faster players, and I expert the Panthers to bring some offense here in the season premiere.

My free pick is on Over.

Mike Lundin has picks on both National League Division Series and a hockey winner locked and loaded for Friday. He’s 9-3 L12 MLB SELECTIONS and nailed Thursday’s lone NHL premium pick on the Kings. Sign up for a subscription now to ensure you don’t miss a single play with a BIG WEEKEND AHEAD!